December 24 In History: The Death Of A Banser Riyanto Member While Guarding The Church From A Bomb Explosion

Banser member, Riyanto (Photo source: jatim.nu.or.id)

JAKARTA - The heroic action took place on Christmas Eve 24 December two decades ago or in 2000. At that time, Riyanto, a member of Banser, managed to save Christians from a bomb explosion during a Christmas mass at the Eben Haezer Church, Mojokerto, East Java.

As quoted by Liputan 6, at first Riyanto, a man born in Kediri, November 23, 1975, together with three fellow members of the Ansor Mojokerto Youth Movement were on duty to secure the Eben Haezer Church. Christmas Eve was solemn at that time.

However, the atmosphere changed around 20.30 WIB, when a congregation suspected a parcel lying in front of the church entrance. Riyanto, his colleagues, church security officers and the police immediately secured the suspicious package.

Riyanto then opened the parcel with the cable sticking out. Suddenly sparks came out. Spontaneously, Riyanto asked everyone to take cover, shouting "Get down!"

Riyanto tried to dispose of the bomb further from the church. Unfortunately, a bomb exploded in Riyanto's arms. He passed away by saving the lives of many people. People who were practicing worship scattered.

According to his colleagues quoted by CNNIndonesia, the explosion sent Riyanto's body 30 meters from the point of explosion. One of his colleagues, Amir, was also rushed to the hospital. He suffered a tear in the head from the splinters of the explosion, his blood was pouring out.

How could I not, the bomb explosion even knocked down the wall across the church. Not to mention the glass cabinets and window displays of Studio Kartini in front of the church were shattered.

Humanitarian warrior

Riyanto's departure is always remembered by many parties. From the Mojokerto Banser itself, routinely holds the Riyanto haul every year, without interruption. Even before Christmas, hundreds of Eben Haezer Church congregants also held special prayers for the deceased.

"We never stop holding haul every year, this is a tribute to Riyanto because of his sacrifice," said the Head of the Mojokerto City Banser Coordinating Board, Syahrial, still quoted by CNNIndonesia.

In 2012, the name Riyanto was even immortalized as a street name in Pra Soldier Kulon District, Mojokerto. The local government also built a large gate bearing the name Riyanto.

Then in 2016, the Republic of Indonesia Fighters Care Movement (GPPRI) crowned Riyanto as a humanitarian fighter. Apart from providing a humanitarian fighter charter, GPPRI also provided compensation to Riyanto's family.